Veterans Memorial Project

American Legion Daniel Dopp Post 370 Veterans Memorial Project

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth, the sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

On June 9, 1918, Daniel G. Dopp of Wild Rose, Wisconsin was killed in action during WWI. According to the US Army Burial Administration, Daniel was buried near where he died in the Belleau Woods in France. On January 10, 1928 the Dan Dopp Post 370 was chartered to honor our fallen hero. To insure that his correct name was used, in 1954, the Wild Rose Post name was changed to the American Legion Daniel Dopp Post 370.

Over 13 years ago Post 370 took possession of a Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra attack helicopter from Arizona that was acquired through a government program. Our mission was to use the helicopter in parades and eventually place the helicopter as the focal point of a Veterans Memorial in our community. This helicopter was flown in Vietnam and Post 370 considers this memorial to be sacred ground, a place of honor and remembrance for those who served and died for our country.

Post 370 approached the Wild Rose Lions club to see if we could use a portion of their land just south of the Wild Rose Village limits to place the memorial on. The Lions club responded with enthusiasm and a portion of land was surveyed and a lease agreement with the Wild Rose Lions Club was signed in May 2017. The generosity and support of the Wild Rose Lions Club has made this Veterans Memorial now a reality.

In the process Post 370 also approached the Village of Wild Rose Board to ask for support for the memorial project and received their overwhelming approval.

Stacey Hill of Wild Rose donated her talent to do the initial graphic rendering of the proposed memorial. Shulfer Architects, LLC, of Middleton, Wisconsin, donated their time to complete a final rendering for the memorial.

The focal point of the Memorial will be the restored vintage Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra Attack helicopter used during the Vietnam War and will be illuminated at night. The helicopter will be surrounded by a black aluminum fence, a sidewalk able to accommodate persons with disabilities, benches, and a Veterans Memorial plaque. Illuminated flags of our country, all of our armed forces, and a POW flag will be placed to the east of the helicopter in a semi-circle.

Please see the Architects rendering of the Memorial Site.

A cement pad for the helicopter was completed and the helicopter was painted and placed on the pad on May 24, 2017. The fence around the helicopter, flag poles, sidewalk, lighting and memorial plaque will be installed as soon as possible from donations received.

Substantial funding is needed to complete the project. The project is estimated to cost around $25,000.00. As of July 2017, the Post has received about $6,000.00.

The Daniel Dopp Post 370 acknowledges that the people of Wild Rose and the surrounding area have generously supported our school district, park system, mill pond project, car show, our service organizations and our wonderful library. It is our great hope that our friends and neighbors will give generously to our Veterans Memorial project.

Post 370 working with the Gift Bricks Company of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, have set up an account so that veterans, their families, community members, businesses, and organizations, can purchase bricks to honor and help build our Veterans Memorial. The bricks will be placed inside of the side walk which goes around the helicopter and will be designated “The Walk of Honor”.

In order to order a brick to honor a loved one who served or died in the service of his or her country, go to the following internet address to use the Gift Bricks Company’s order form:

If you have any questions regarding the Gift Bricks Program, please contact Tara Anderson at 1-920-765-1672 or by email at :

grandmabug19@hotmail.com

In order to make a cash donation, go to Farmers State Bank in Wild Rose, Wisconsin and fill out a Veterans Memorial Donation Form, or make a copy of the form found on this website and take it to the bank with your donation. Your receipt is on this form along with Post 370’s Federal Tax Exempt number.

Persons, families, or organizations willing to donate to, or help purchase a flag pole, bench, lighting, fencing, or a memorial plaque, can do so by contacting Post 370 Adjutant Vicki Bergemann at 1-920-787-2959 for information and pricing.

Post 370 is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit organization so your donation is tax deductible. All donations will be used to complete and maintain the Veterans Memorial.